Gun show: A look at all the little factors behind Gunnar Henderson's breakout in Bowie
Henderson, still just 20, is one of the most dynamic hitters in Double-A. He knows there's more ahead.
BOWIE — At its simplest, Gunnar Henderson explained the impressive start to his age-20 season at Bowie as letting his body and instinct take over after spending most of 2021 searching for a “one-click solution” where one wasn’t required.
“I’m still very young, and it’s very instinctive — just letting it go out there and being myself,” he told me Tuesday at Prince George’s Stadium.
A few hours later, there were two clicks — loud ones — as Henderson hit home runs No. 5 and 6 in a season where the Orioles’ fourth-ranked prospect is somehow exceeding the high expectations set for him.
“I don’t think that registers with him, honestly,” manager Kyle Moore said. “I don’t even think it’s on his radar. He’s really concerned and motivated to play in the big leagues.”
That motivation, combined with that natural talent, has created the makings of a special player. To hear Henderson and those around him talk about the countless areas of focus on his swing, approach, and routine that he’s honed since the end of last year goes a long way to demonstrating just how Henderson has taken off for the Baysox.